Cabin camping near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania offers rustic to modern overnight accommodations within the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. Located at elevations ranging from 800-1500 feet, this region experiences distinct four seasons with particularly colorful fall foliage from late September through October. Winter cabin stays require preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers excellent trail connections including the Appalachian Trail's midpoint. According to camper Carly E., "We did a very nice run from our campsite out to the scenic viewpoint on top of Pole Steeple (about 7ish miles). The lake is great to jump in and cool off after a summer run."
Creek exploration: Twin Bridge Campground provides creek access for summer cooling. One visitor reports, "The most relaxing setting. Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it. Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground."
Historical immersion: Gettysburg camping offers historical immersion with battlefield proximity. A visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground noted, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Seasonal events: Many cabin facilities offer special seasonal programming. A camper at Granite Hill Camping Resort mentioned, "Granite Hill has great facilities; free showers, a playground, mini golf and two small ponds for fishing. Plus they plan lots of weekend events."
What campers like
Privacy levels: While many cabin areas feature close sites, some provide more seclusion. A visitor to Cowans Gap State Park Campground stated, "Our first time at Cowans Gap and we loved it. 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out. Biking, Hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice."
Natural features: Mountain and water views enhance many cabin locations. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, one visitor described, "This park has two lakes for swimming, with a rail trail that separates them, so they are easily bikeable. There are some great trails for running/hiking - the park is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail!"
Wildlife viewing: Several cabin locations offer wildlife spotting opportunities. According to a Caledonia State Park Campground visitor, "The synchronous fireflies were amazing and there were few mosquitoes even in mid-July. If you have kids and like to camp it's a great place to let them roam."
Honor system amenities: Several state parks provide amenities on the honor system. One camper at Caledonia noted, "Clean bathrooms, full hookups with paved spots, firewood and ice for sale based on an honor system - so nice."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Signal varies significantly between cabin locations. A visitor at Michaux State Forest stated, "Cell service varies greatly. Some sites will have none without a decent drive or hike, while others have 4 bars."
Permit requirements: State forest cabins require planning ahead. According to one Michaux visitor, "Michaux State Forest sites fall in to 4 categories: Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving; Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round..."
Winter limitations: Some cabin sites close seasonally. A visitor to Cowans Gap noted, "Site 14 was ok, small. Weekend kids were noisy. Bathrooms and showers very clean. Firewood always available. Easy access to dump station."
Uneven ground: Some cabins and sites sit on challenging terrain. A camper at Granite Hill reported, "The site was extremely difficult to get into, as uneven as it gets," highlighting the importance of checking site details before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer family programming. A visitor to Gettysburg Battlefield KOA shared, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt! They also had live music one night! They just opened up a new pavilion and the camp store was very well stocked!"
Multi-generational spaces: Some cabin areas accommodate extended families. At Twin Bridge Campground, a visitor explained, "It seems to be a place where families get together yearly. There were lots of political flags and bumper stickers - many with pro gun slogans and that sort of thing, which may make some folks uncomfortable, but there weren't any problems."
Water features: Swimming options vary by location. According to one Gettysburg Campground visitor, "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking."
Weather planning: Seasonal conditions affect family comfort. A visitor to Artillery Ridge noted, "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff were very helpful. Clean restrooms. Nice little fishing pond."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electrical options differ between cabin and RV sites. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, a visitor reported, "Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance. Besides the above there is access to hiking trails that connect to the AT, plenty of organized activities for kids, fishing and mini golf."
Accessibility considerations: Not all facilities accommodate mobility needs. A Granite Hill visitor noted, "Not a bad campground, probably better for RVs not a tent like us. None of the buildings (including the office and bathhouse) are accessible."
Dump station availability: Plan waste disposal accordingly. At Cowans Gap, a visitor mentioned, "Easy access to dump station. Coming back in July to a site we scout out. Looking forward to our next visit."
